Adding Something In This Lent

It’s MARDI GRAS!! Fat Tuesday. The day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent.

Did you celebrate? I was visiting my boyfriend this past weekend so I missed the big St. Louis party. All my classmates had a great time though, from what I’ve heard. I’m not sure anyone will really do anything tonight, since it’s a work night. We do have some sort of apple cinnamon strudel at the house right now, so maybe that can act as a King Cake stand-in for a little celebration.

Being Catholic, I’ve always observed Lent. It’s traditional to give something up each year during Lent as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Common thing I hear of are social media, swearing, soda, and of course sweets. These days it seems lots of people just end up using Lent as a reason to diet, which can be frustrating! But the way I see it, if Jesus is the motivation you need to make some positive life changes, then go for it.

In recent years I’ve been drawn to the idea of adding something in. Doing something a little extra to better yourself and draw you closer to your faith. It reminds me of the concept of adding in when pursuing a healthier lifestyle — instead of focusing on restricting certain foods why not just make an effort to add in a salad, or a fruit, or an extra glass of water? Focus on doing more things that encourage health instead of labeling other things as “bad.”

Some ideas for adding something in are donating money, volunteering, writing letters to friends and family, daily prayer or a devotional, reading the Bible, or a daily random act of kindness.

So yes, I will still be following tradition and giving something up this year. But I’ll also be taking a few minutes to pray every day and making weekend Mass a priority. Those are little habits that have fallen by the wayside, especially with a crazy third year schedule. They are things that always keep me more rooted in my faith. The best part is the effect that spills over into the rest of my life. I am calmer and more centered when I make time with God a regular part of my life.

Are you observing Lent this year?

If you need ideas for Friday meatless meals, check out some of my most popular posts below!

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